A first tenure in the form of surprise and challenge for Bol Bol

He is aiming for the Rookie Of The Year trophy but Bol Bol has already fallen behind with just eight points scored in six matches and 36 minutes played since the start of the season.

Nevertheless, the trip to Brooklyn is a first ray of sunshine for him. The young interior of the Nuggets (21 years) thus experienced the first tenure of his career there against the Nets. A baptism of fire that was not prepared since Michael Malone warned his player during the warm-up, following the absence for personal reasons of Gary Harris. “It surprised me a bit”, Manute’s son tells the Denver Post.

Entering the major five is already a first step to climb. But there, Bol Bol also had to defend on Kevin Durant. “I flew over the actions that were going to be implemented for him”, he explains, as he joined the bench before the game for a quick video shoot with the assistants handling the defense in Denver. “I saw what he liked to do. “

The challenge was too complicated, too big for such an inexperienced player. The Brooklyn winger was brilliant with 34 points. “It’s hard because despite his size, he can dribble, play pick-and-roll and penetrate”, he concedes. “He can do anything. We don’t face this every day. “

The interior finished their game with 5 points and 2 rebounds in 16 minutes. Nervous, he lost two balls on walks but he is satisfied with his efforts, in defense and on the rebound. Just like his coach.

“Bowl worked very hard”, rejoices Mike Malone. “It was an opportunity for him to play, to be with the holders, to have a chance to meet a player like Kevin Durant. In order to use his size and wingspan to make it difficult for him. “